Overdoses

A significant increase in drug-related overdoses and deaths across B.C. prompted Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall to declare a public health emergency April 2016.

If someone overdoses

call 9-1-1 immediately

provide rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth)

administer naloxone

Ways to reduce your overdose risk

avoid using alone; fix with a friend

try a small amount of new drugs first

stagger use with friends so someone can respond if needed

avoid using more than one drug at a time (stacking drugs increases risk of overdoses and contributes to more severe overdoses)

carry and use naloxone and have an overdose response plan

be close to help

use an Overdose Prevention Service

This applies to all methods of drug consumption – injection, inhalation, snorting, smoking or consuming with alcohol.

Find an Overdose Prevention or Supervised Consumption Service

Overdose Prevention and Supervised Consumption Services are locations where people can use illegal drugs under supervision by trained staff. As part of health care services, staff in these locations monitor people who are at risk of overdose and provide rapid intervention if necessary.

Note:Overdose Prevention Services are allowed under special Ministerial Order (Ministerial Order M488) under the Emergency Services Act.Supervised Consumption Services are approved by Health Canada for exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

News & Events

July 23, 2018

Victoria – Exactly one month after it opened, the Pandora Avenue Supervised Consumption site has officially been named “The Harbour” – reflecting the service’s purpose to provide a safe place – or harbour – where people can use illegal drugs under supervision by trained health professionals and p

Emergencies

If you are in urgent need of medical care, please call 911. If you require health care advice for a non-urgent concern, call HealthLink BC at 811.

Territorial Acknowledgement

Before Canada and BC were formed, Indigenous peoples lived in balance and interconnectedness with the land and water in which the necessities of life are provided. Health disparities persist, which are due to the impacts of colonization and Indigenous specific racism. Healthy lands, healthy people. Island Health acknowledges and recognizes these homelands and the stewardship of Indigenous peoples of this land; it is with humility we continue to work toward building our relationship.

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